Pollution

In-depth: What is Delhi's Air pollution challenge? Sunita Narain and Anumita Roychowdhury explain

The number of days with good air quality in Delhi has increased while the number of days with poor to extremely severe air quality has decreased

 
Published: Monday 06 December 2021

Delhi's fight for clean air started in the 1990s. Numerous reforms have been initiated over the years including shifting to cleaner fuels and enhanced fuel efficiency norms. But as winters approach, Delhi's air quality takes a dip. What are the reasons?

According to the Center of Science and Environment's Sunita Narain and Anumita Roychowdhury, Delhi's captive air pollution from vehicles, industry, construction activities, etc are already very high.

When Punjab and Haryana farmers start burning rice stubble in the beginning of the winter season, the smoke from their fields add to the captive pollution of Delhi. This increases air pollution in Delhi taking it beyond the severe level.

But there have been substantial gains that have been made since the air pollution reforms began. The number of days with good air quality in Delhi has increased while the number of days with poor to extremely severe air quality has decreased.

Currently, Delhi enjoys nearly 151 days of good air quality up from about 81 six years ago. But Delhi's air quality needs to improve substantially to meet the health standards.

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